Homeschooling is not a cheap option. Families have to be frugal and look out for leaks in the wallet when homeschooling. The holidays can be a solid drain on your resources. To ensure that you can do the most with the least expenses, its a good idea to have a fixed budget for different heads. Here are some considerations for you this holiday season to stay debt free, while still celebrating Christmas in a memorable manner.
Presents
One of the biggest expenses tends to be under this head. The individual presents for each family member as well as close family and friends can add up to a pretty penny. Ideas for handmade presents, such as food hampers, are a good way to make personalized gifts that don’t cost an arm and a leg. You can bake a couple of different types of cookies, individual pound cakes, and muffins. Each batch can be made in advance with the assistance of your homeschool students and kept ready to assemble the hampers for gifting. Even the wrapping can be customized by the homeschool students for every person.
The Tree
Having a live tree is often much more expensive and messier than having an artificial one. You are even doing the environment no good by supporting the annual felling of fir trees. Buy the best artificial tree that you can find. There’s no doubting the savings that a re-usable artificial tree will accrue over the years. The ornaments for the tree can also be the subject of arts and crafts all through December. As you have each ornament crafted in the homeschool classroom, store it away for the tree decoration at a later date.
The Dinner
While it is tempting to order ready made food, it’s going to be a much cheaper option to do the basic cooking at home. Yes a few special treats may still be bought, but make the bulk of the Christmas dinner at home. Get the homeschool students involved by finding the best recipes or following family recipes. Cooking is a life skill that will serve them well all their lives. The real spirit of the holiday is found when the family comes together and spends time building memories.
